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Today, Saturday 11 February, is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science! We asked two of our STEM experts, Jacinta and Abby, to share their experiences of being women in science. This is what they had to say …

Jacinta Holland, Senior Exploration Geologist

Q1. What do you do at Fosterville Gold Mine

I am the Senior Exploration Geologist of the Near Mine Exploration team and support and lead a great team.

My role is to develop and deliver projects that align with company goals. To delineate high-potential exploration targets, continually support and develop a team that will improve the interpretation and geological understanding of our mineralised systems, supporting successful exploration.

Q2. What and where did you study and what led you to choose this career pathway?
I studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Geology) at the University of Ballarat in early 2003, now known as Federation University.

As a child I collected quartz crystals when my family went out in the bush collecting firewood, thinking them to be diamonds at the time.

It was not until year 10 where we had to create a resume and look into career opportunities that I found Geology in a careers pathway textbook. I remember the description being “understanding Earth’s dynamic systems”. The realisation that there was so much more to the world around me that I did not understand was fascinating. From there I knew I wanted to get into geology.

Q3. Lots of girls (and boys) decide early in their schooling that they don’t have a “maths brain” and therefore rule out the idea of a career in STEM early on. How do you think you managed to avoid this when you were at school?
I didn’t do well in science in high school and even basic chemistry didn’t click in first-year uni. I liked understanding patterns, how things worked together and equations in maths but to be honest I was an everyday average student.

I think I managed to see past the classes and understand that more opportunities opened up with science after school.

Getting out into the field and completing work experience at the Bendigo Gold Mine was key to truly seeing other females in science and particularly in geology. It was my first look at where I might be able to go and even the places I could travel to!

Since developing my career I have been able to learn and absorb so much more relating to science on the job because it was specifically relevant to my career and interest.

I also had the fantastic opportunity to return to university as a lecturer and teach the classes that I had sat in years before. There is nothing like that to really fuse your knowledge and absorb information.

Q4. What are your future career goals and do you think being a woman will be a barrier or advantage to achieving these goals?
My future career goal is to continue to develop my leadership and positive influence to drive high-performing teams.

I love science and always hold the mindset that there are no masters, there are only apprentices. Continue to be open to growth and learning new things and ways to consider challenges.

Working with amazing people and supporting them to be the best they can be, gives me a strong sense of purpose and achievement.

Being a woman has had its restrictions in the past, but I have become more aware that I do not need to be held back by old work cultures and am just as worthy as everyone else of a successful career.

For me, it is not about being a woman, it is about knowing one’s purpose, living by your values and ensuring that the teams you work with have a culture of inclusion, self-awareness and accountability. Everyone is respected and brings value, regardless of gender, through their life experiences and passions.

Abby Soto, Mine Planning Engineer

Q1. What do you do at Fosterville Gold Mine?
I am the Short Term Mine Planning Engineer, which means I design mining levels and roadways underground to ensure optimal ore extraction and maximise the mine's profitability.

I work closely with the technical services department and operations to ensure we are mining in the correct locations.

Q2. What and where did you study and what led you to choose this career pathway?
I studied a Bachelor of Mining Engineering at the University of Wollongong in NSW. I chose this career path because it has the best of both worlds, the practical aspect as well as having a technical basis

A mining engineer can have very diverse roles throughout their career. An Australian mining degree is also held in high regard internationally, which opens up the opportunity to travel the world for work and grow my skill set.

Q3. Lots of girls (and boys) decide early in their schooling that they don’t have a maths brain and therefore rule out the idea of a career in STEM early on. How do you think you managed to avoid this when you were at school?
I did not want to do maths in years 11 and 12, but my mother convinced me to do basic unit mathematics to ensure I had more career options open to me.

You do not have to have a particular brain to pursue a STEM career. If you are passionate about something you can work your way through anything. I had people a lot smarter than me who dropped out of courses at university because they no longer enjoyed it and therefore found it hard to do the work!

If you believe in yourself and have the determination to do something then nothing can stop you. Universities and Colleges also have great assistance programs such as tutoring or study sessions to assist anyone who may need help through coursework.

Q4. What are your future career goals and do you think being a woman will be a barrier or advantage to achieving these goals?
Ultimately, I want to be a Vice President of Operations or something equally important – I am aiming high! If I can become a leader, other women will see it can be done, which will help build the stepping stones for more women to take up leadership roles in STEM.

As a woman in the mining industry, I believe there is a pretence that we need to prove we belong, but If you have the determination and strength to claim your place then that can help you to achieve success in any STEM career.

Being a woman in mining does have its difficulties, but I am already seeing the shift of more women coming into the industry.

As mindsets expand and innovation from STEM is introduced into the sector I believe we will see a major shift into mining being a much more diverse and inclusive industry.